Van der Merwe returns for Bulls

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has named lock Flip van der Merwe in his starting XV for Saturday's clash with the Hurricanes in Napier.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has named fit-again lock Flip van der Merwe in his starting XV for Saturday's clash with the Hurricanes in Napier.

The 67 cap lock takes over the captaincy and number five jersey from Victor Matfield in one of two changes to the starting pack that played against the Chiefs.

In the other, Jacques Engelbrecht comes in at number eight, with Dewald Potgieter moving to the side of the scrum in place of Jacques du Plessis, who moves to the bench.

Matfield and Jono Ross do not feature in the matchday 23.

"We are looking to start rotating players from now on and with the depth we have in the squad, it is something I don't mind doing," said Ludeke.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that Matfield will only play on tour when there is an injury to the other locks and will instead join the coaching staff on this trip. It was all decided on when the lock's return to rugby was negotiated.